Hoilett ready for relegation scrap

Harry Redknapp's men are four points off safety at the bottom of the English Premier League but have been buoyed by recent wins over Southampton and Sunderland.

And after assessing their nine remaining fixtures before the end of the season – starting with a trip to fellow relegation strugglers Aston Villa – Hoilett feels survival is still achievable.

"We are back in the fray," Hoilett told the club's website. "Back-to-back wins in the last two games have got us back into the race for survival. With our remaining fixtures we have a fighting chance to stay up.

"I've looked at the remaining fixtures and it is possible. We have a run of games that we can win. We have home fixtures we can win so I am trying to remain focused and work towards that goal.

"It is going to be a six-pointer (on Saturday). Aston Villa are in the same position that we are in. It is going to be a scrap and a really important game."

Hoilett believes there is an extra spring in everyone's step around the club at the moment as the squad pull together to stave off relegation, and highlighted Redknapp's role in the club's improved fortunes.

"At training – around the building – everyone has that extra confidence. It is making us work harder each day to get ourselves out of the relegation zone. Everyone has the same motive – working hard as a team to get us out of the trouble," Hoilett said.

"He has been working hard with us on the training field, working on defence and attack. He has also been getting us as a team to work and fight for each other which has given us the confidence to go and show what we can do.

"He pulls one or two players and tells them what he wants them to do. He has come to me a couple of times and told me he wants me to get at the full-back and create chances for the team.

"He's pretty hands-on actually. You can have a chat with him if you want. His door is always open. He is a good boss."